Mercedes Wins 1997 Award

Circle of Excellence Award for Global Logistics Past Recipients
Mercedes Benz, known globally for their world-class vehicles has won the prestigious 1997 Circle of Excellence Award for manufacturing excellence. "On behalf of the Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc. team and our parent company, Daimler Benz, A.G. we are honored to accept this Circle of Excellence award and we thank the DBM Association" said Robert Montana, Manager Logistics & Production Control. The DBM Association presents this award to one company each year that represents excellence and a strong commitment to the environment. The ceremony was held during the International Warehouse of the Future® Show and Conference on March 26, 1997 aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. The award was presented by John T. Thorn, Chairman of the DBM Association to Bob Montana, Manager Logistics and Production Control and Ulrich Schorb, Assistant Manager Logistics Production Control and Logistics March 26, 1997. Over 250 corporate executives attended this black tie affair.
	Left to right John and Amy Thorn, DBM; Ulrich Schorb and Robert Montana, Exec V.P. Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz was nominated for DBM's Circle of Excellence Award by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany. Nominees are screened by several academic members from DBM's educational committee which include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Michigan State University, Exeter University, England and the University of Dortmund, Germany. As a recognized symbol of quality, the Circle of Excellence Award is presented by DBM to leading companies in various industries, who represent the highest standards of quality and technology, providing a model and goal for all businesses. In every step of designing, building and equipping the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI) Plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Mercedes Benz upheld the high standards of excellence embodied by DBM's Circle of Excellence Award: Consistency, Integrity, Responsibility, Commitment, Leadership and Excellence. Furthermore; Mercedes Benz was recognized for their commitment to the environment. Jurgen Schrempp, Chairman of the Daimler-Benz Board of Management said "Even in economically difficult times, a responsible attitude toward the natural foundations of life remains a long-term corporate commitment for Daimler-Benz. Environmental data drawn from throughout the Group document just how seriously we take this responsibility. For example, a series of new projects and research programs will contribute toward limiting the environmental damage caused by various products and production processes." More than 850 team members and 65 major suppliers, from Germany, the United States and Japan worked on the development and production of the M-Class vehicles. MBUSI successfully merged these distinct cultures. This global spirit of cooperation demonstrated by MBUSI exemplifies the spirit of the Circle of Excellence Award. The Tuscaloosa plant began producing 75 test vehicles in December of 1996. Meticulous tests were performed to evaluate product quality, the production process at each work station, equipment functionality, and the training of the production team members. The product launch of Mercedes Benz new M-Class, all activity vehicles will occur in the fall of 1997 for their 1998 model. Approximately 65,000 vehicles will be produced annually. Besides the plant MBUSI has created a comprehensive training facility and a visitor center. The visitor's center houses exhibits detailing the history of Mercedes Benz, its products, technology and commitment to safety.

Circle of Excellence Award for Global Logistics Past Recipients